From preterm birth to thriving baby!
Rebecca was barely halfway through her pregnancy when she unexpectedly went into labour.
But little Luna arrived safely after she and her mother received the right care in the right place at the right time.
Their story highlights how maternity units in our region are working together to improve outcomes for babies born too soon.
The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) has introduced a series of evidence-based interventions designed to lead to better outcomes for babies born too soon. Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (HIOTV) has worked with NHS England and a regional network of NHS maternity and neonatal units to ensure these measures are used in everyday practice. Each of these proactive measures contributed to Luna’s safe arrival.
Rebecca said: “The care we received saved Luna’s life and she wouldn’t be here without it. If we hadn’t been in the right place at the right time, then there would have been a very different outcome – something that is not lost on us. We are so grateful to those that were a part of Luna’s journey, especially at the start.”
Katherine Edwards, HIOTV Director of Patient Safety and Clinical Improvement, said: “NHS staff are bringing their wide-ranging skills together to make sure that premature babies get the best possible start in life.”
Luna was born at 24 weeks and one day – and she weighed just 655 grammes. That’s about the same as three apples! She is now thriving!